Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
With the dogs falling, Mercedes weeping and riding, Hal swearing innocuously, and Charles’s eyes wistfully watering, they staggered into John Thornton’s camp at the mouth of White River. When they halted, the dogs dropped down as though they had all been struck dead.
(i) Who were Mercedes, Hal and Charles? How were they related to each other?
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- New owners of Buck and his fellow huskies
- Mercedes was Charles’ wife
- And Hal’s sister
(ii) What was John Thornton doing when they arrived at his camp?
Thornton was whittling an axe handle from a stick of birch.
Describe his responses to Hal’s questions.
He answered in monosyllables – gave terse advice
Give one reason for his manner.
Because he knew the ‘breed’ he knew Hal was the kind of person who would disregard advice.
(iii) What did Thornton warn them against?
To take no chances on the ice as it was very thin
What reason did he give for his warning?
The ice was very thin and the bottom was likely to drop out of it.
How did Hal respond to Thornton’s advice?
Hal disregarded the advice – said others had warned him not to travel on the ice but he had made it so far – declared that they would travel to Dawson.
(iv) How did Hal manage to get his dogs back on their feet?
By whipping them first and then by using the club.
Why did Buck not respond to Hal’s blows?
- Buck had decided not to respond – he barely felt the blows.
- Buck had a sense of impending doom which persisted – sensed that disaster was at hand – on the ice where his master was trying to drive him.
(v) Describe how Thornton saved Buck’s life.
- Thornton watches in rage as Hal whipped and clubbed the dogs.
- Finally intervened – cut Buck loose from the sled and threatened to kill Hal if he struck Buck again.
- Hal realised that he could not argue with Thornton and that Buck was nearly dead – decided to carry on without Buck
- Shortly after, the sled pulled out Buck and Thornton hear Mercedes scream – watched as a whole section of ice gave way and both dogs and humans disappeared. Only a big hole was left – the bottom had dropped out of the trail.
- Only Buck had survived – thanks to Thornton.